In celebration of World Art Day, the 19th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival held under the theme ‘Crafting the Emirates State of Mind: Creativity, Innovation & Joy’, has commissioned dynamic Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfito capture the art scene in the UAE in one of his signature black and white illustrations on a 1.5m X 3m canvas. Visitors at Manarat Al Saadiyat where the Festival’s flagship exhibition Portrait of a Nation II: Beyond Narratives is currently being held, will have the unique opportunity to engage with the elaborate artwork by adding colour to it.
Commenting on the significance of World Art Day, Her Excellency Huda Ibrahim Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “At ADMAF, we believe it is the fundamental right of every person, regardless of age or ability, to access, understand and appreciate cultural expression, which is why we are pleased to partner with established Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi on World Art Day to celebrate the important role art plays in nurturing creativity and encouraging cultural diversity. Our unique initiative with Lutfi, which brings the community together to contribute creatively to his work, is the perfect example of how art stimulates creative freedom and supports cross-cultural communication and dialogue, further enhancing its ability to promote peace and tolerance around the world”.
Lutfi, an artist on the autism spectrum, is renowned for his impeccable attention to detail and his ability to capture daily life with an often humorous accuracy. The initiative encourages visitors to participate in his creative process by colouring in the giant canvas, which embodies Abu Dhabi’s dynamic art scene by featuring famous sites such as Warehouse 421, Cultural Foundation, Qasr Al Hosn, and the Founders Memorial. The completed work will be unveiled on World Art Day on 15 April.
The 19th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival 2022 is held under the theme “Crafting an Emirates State of Mind: Creation, Innovation & Joy,” and is being held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha ShamsaBint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Assistant to His Highness the President of the Authority for Women’s Affairs, and Chairperson of the Higher Committee for Ataya Initiative, with support from its Lead Partner Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) and Energy Partner GS Energy.
The 2022 Abu Dhabi Festival programme is part of the contribution made by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation to the UAE capital’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music, further bolstering its role as a world leading musical center and incubator of an innovation-based resilient and sustainable music ecosystem. Abu Dhabi Festival 2022 encompasses over 1,000 participating artists from around the world to present more than 300 live and digital events. The 19th edition will also include two world tours and 17 world premiers.
